Repeal campaign should not dodge the 12-week issue

The proposed limit on abortion would bring Ireland into line with most of Europe

Campaigners to repeal and retain the Eighth Amendment took to the streets of Dublin as the countdown to the referendum begins.

The most recent poll conducted for this newspaper, in January, found a “clear majority of voters” (56 per cent) backing repeal of the Eighth Amendment. Photograph: Mark Stedman

The forthcoming referendum on the Eighth Amendment is going to be won, and lost, on the “12-week” issue.

While one side is embracing it with gusto, the other appears nervous of it. The most recent poll conducted for this newspaper, in January, found a “clear majority of voters” (56 per cent) backing repeal of the Eighth Amendment and the Government’s proposal to legislate for abortion on request up to 12 weeks, with 29 per cent against and 15 per cent undecided. Even more, 64 per cent, strongly back a woman’s right to choose.